Chapter 29 ~ Revelation.

 Despite the heated circumstances, everyone was frozen, not only by King Arthur's sudden appearance back from the dead, but also from his last remark as he faced Mirror solemnly. 

Mirror herself said nothing, simply standing there, gasping for air. Arthur bent down, still watching her face, to take Merlin's hand and pull the wizard to his feet. 

''You alright, Merlin?'' He asked, despite the fact that Merlin had just been tortured.

''Yes, I - I think so.'' Merlin was just trying to get over the shock of it all. His best friend was back from the dead and he had just greeted Mirror in a strange way that tugged at Merlin's memory.

''Arthur - why, why did you say-''

''Why did I say ''did you miss me?'' ?'' The king cut in, watching Mirror as she gave him a warning glare. Ignoring the sorceress, he went on gravely; ''Because I know her, Merlin. This is not the descendant of Morgause Gorlois.'' He looked at the witch deliberately. ''This is her daughter.''

A gasp rang through the crowd of witches, Karil, Ly and Maurelle also contributing. Mirror sensed her puppet army losing faith and turned to them. 

''Yes, I am the daughter of Morgause Gorlois!'' She cried. ''And that should give you more confidence! I am mighty, I am strong and I can lead our noble army to rule Britain!'' 

The witches in the crowd stopped debating and looked clearly at their leader for guidance, cheering at the sorceress. Mirror  was smiling triumphantly once more whilst Arthur surveyed the army critically. Puppets. No more than puppets. People who would die at Mirror's hand, who would die for her glory. God help them all.

Merlin was not paying attention the crowd, his mind was simply whirling, as were the thoughts of Karil, Ly and Maurelle. All they had known about Mirror seemed to have been crushed by Arthur's statement. Maurelle felt like she was about to have a panic attack, she wanted to know what had happened, she wanted to speak to Mirror. But there was no chance of that at that point, as Mirror spoke to her army before turning back to Arthur.

''So what if you revealed my little secret? I do not care, my followers do not care. We are strong and mighty, and we will advance upon this world. The Ministry of Magic is down. Now we just have to get rid of you!'' She smiled and tossed back her blonde curls. ''Come on, ladies.'' She laughed lightly. ''We have a spot of killing to do!''

Maurelle strode forward, taking her place by Merlin, ready to fight. This received a raise of the eyebrows from Arthur, but there was no time to explain. Arthur let that matter be, ignoring the Karil and Ly, who had also come forward, and stepped towards Mirror.

''I'm afraid your little killing spree won't be as easy as you think.'' He said to the sneering witch, who was raising her eyebrows teasingly. Arthur stepped back and raised his head. 

''Gwaine! Percival! Come on out you lazy sods!''

Two more knights emerged, one with dark hair down to his shoulders and the other like a giant with a shaven head. Mirror's face continued to pale as her confidence lessened. More knights emerged; Leon, Elyan, Lancelot. Others with names that were lost over time but still loyal to Arthur. By the time Mirror's face was bleached white, more than twenty knights were stood before her. 

There was a moment of silence as Arthur stared at the witch. She saw his expression, triumphant, though not gloating as hers had been. Anger seizing control once more, she gathered more confidence and surprised everyone by laughing.

''And what are you going to do, knights in shining armour?'' She turned to Arthur, who was still looking at her solemnly. ''You forget, my King, that myself and my army have magic. We can destroy you in the blink of an eye.''

Arthur shook his head, smiling. ''Oh, I don't think so.''

Mirror stared at him, slight panic in her eyes. Holding up her wand, she sent a green flash of light towards Gwaine.

Nothing happened.

Mirror gasped, heaving as she struggled for breath. ''NO!'' She screamed, sending more death curses at the knights. They didn't react, simply stared at her like Arthur. Then Leon raised his head gravely.

''What's it to be, Mirror? Will we have to kill you all or will you surrender?''

''NEVER!'' Mirror's pride stopped her from saving her followers as the row of men stepped forward and stabbed the first line of women, who wildly sent spells at the soldiers. Mirror looked insane as she screamed, the other witches trying to apparate away to the shores of the lake. It was mad, the knights hacking away at the depleting crowd, Maurelle, Merlin, Ly and Karil to stunned to do anything. Most of the witches were making it out of the scene, but upon apparating on the lake shores were greeted by aurors, lead by a fierce Mcgonagall. 

In a matter of minutes the witches had either been killed or had vanished away, leaving an insane leader. Mirror was turning in a circle wildly, shaking her head, eyes rolling back. Blood smeared on her face in droplets, golden dress also stained with red, she was a truly horrific sight. Merlin mad his way towards her as she sunk to the ground.

''And now, my lady, you will look at your reflection forever.'' Holding up his hand, Merlin creased his brow, eyes shining amber before the panicking Mirror disappeared from sight.

Ly and Karil both gasped. Forgetting the circumstances, Ly stepped forward to stutter;

''Wh-where, where is she!?''

 In answer, Merlin produced a hand-held mirror, from which the sorceress stared back at him, face set in metal.